Zucchetto
Derived from the popular Italian
idiom "zucca", meaning a
pumpkin, which was used for "head",
the zucchetto is a small skullcap
which at one time was worn by
any number of persons as a head
covering, especially in the winter
cold. It has come to mean the
skullcap worn by ecclesiastics,
in particular prelates.
The Pope wears a "white" zucchetto
of watered silk. The cardinals
use "scarlet", and bishops, "purple".
Monsignori may wear "black" with
"purple piping". All others may
use simple black, including abbots
who are not endowed with the episcopal
dignity.
Reverend Peter
M.J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.L.
Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic
Encyclopedia. Copyright © 1994,
Our Sunday Visitor. |
